Donovan Kryak - a young man of diverse talents

"My mom wanted me and my brother and sister to be involved in music," said Donovan Kryak, a multi-talented, intelligent 17-year old who enjoys volunteering in the fields of both performing arts and technology. "When we were young, she made it mandatory that we learn to play some type of instrument. She thought that music was an important way to express ourselves. Whether we stuck with it or not, was up to us."

Donovan, a senior at Lincoln Park Academy (LPA) in Fort Pierce, began playing the piano at age four and has stuck with it. His brother Kyle, age 20, has stopped playing regularly, but his 15-year old sister Kellan, who is also a student at LPA, is a percussionist.

"Learning to play the piano has opened up a lot of doors for me to participate in all types of music," said Donovan.

At age 12, Donovan wanted to join the Praise Team Band at the First United Methodist Church of Port St. Lucie. They brushed him off until someone who had heard him play suggested they let him audition. He started the Sunday after he auditioned and has played almost every Sunday since. The church also hosts two big festivals each year, the Fall Festival and Eggstravaganza, both free to the public attracting hundreds of people. Donavan volunteers to help set up the festivals and then plays in the band entertaining the crowds for several hours.

For the last eight-years, Donovan has been volunteering in musicals hosted by Port St. Lucie High School. "I thought I was going in to just play the piano, but it turns I had to learn how to sing, dance and act, too," he said.

Donovan has assisted as the back stage crew moving sets and also in the sound booth. "Making things work behind the scenes can be just was challenging as performing," he said.

Now an accomplished jazz musician, Donovan volunteers to play in the LPA jazz band. He has started to play at the Lincoln Park Community Center, providing live music to students who go there in the evenings.

Donovan is also a tech geek and volunteers his time to teach the 40 and older crowd how to use their iPads, iPhones and other technology.

"I got started helping with technology around the house and educated myself about all of the Apple products," said Donovan, who offers general Apple workshops and specialized classes to all residents of PGA Village. "It's a great way to pass on my knowledge and meet neighbors."

Now, Donovan is applying to several colleges. "My dream is to go to Stanford University," he said. "The school is not too far from the Apple headquarters. I'm thinking of double majoring in computer science and psychology." He is also looking at Florida State University's college of motion arts.